NASCAR Racing
Steve Hmiel
Manager of Competition
Personal Statistics
Birth Date: December 14, 1953
Birthplace: Syracuse, N.Y.
Residence: Pleasant Garden, N.C.
Birthplace: Syracuse, N.Y.
Residence: Pleasant Garden, N.C.
Marital Status: Married to Lisa
Children: Shane and Tyler
Biography
Steve Hmiel joined Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) as Manager of Competition with an impressive resume of racing positions and accomplishments. With over 30 years of NASCAR experience, Hmiel has been winning races and championships with some of the most recognized drivers and teams in the business.
Hmiel’s foray into NASCAR started with Petty Enterprises. During his tenure with the team, he helped Richard Petty win Cup championships in 1975 and 1979 and the historic Daytona 500 in 1979 and 1981 serving as car chief. From there he would go on to win another championship in 1984 as crew chief for Terry Labonte at Bill Hagan Racing.
In 1987, Hmiel helped Jack Roush and Ford step up from Trans-Am racing to NASCAR to form the foundation of Roush Racing as its first general manager. From 1989 to 1996, he helped create a racing dynasty that saw the team never finish outside of the top six in the NASCAR Cup standings with driver Mark Martin during that time span.
Prior to joining CGRFS, Hmiel served as director of technical operations for Dale Earnhardt, Inc (DEI). The very year Hmiel joined the team (1998), DEI brought home its first Craftsman Truck and Nationwide Series titles. He went on to work closely with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. while helping him win 17 Cup races, including the 2005 Daytona 500.
Hmiel has always been associated with winning, and he brings a vast amount of racing knowledge and experience to the table at CGRFS. He is expected to develop CGRFS into a team of serious contenders week after week.